NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Purple Eagles are set to open Sal Maglie Stadium for the first time in 2012 when they welcome the Marist Red Foxes for a three-game series that starts with a doubleheader on Saturday at noon.
 
Niagara (8-13, 1-2 MAAC) enters the weekend looking to get back on track after a recent skid that came on the heels of winning five of seven games.  The Purple Eagles have an 8-7 record over the past five years in the home opening weekend. 
 
Designated hitter Joel Klock will try to continue his success from last weekend where he went 5-for-10 at the plate and tied for a team-high four RBIs.  Combined with is four walks, Klock turned in a .667 on base percentage.  Jim Fort will take the mound in the opening game of the series for Niagara.  The lefthander from Cooperstown, N.Y. has gone 1-1 in his three starts on the season, striking out 18 batters in his 18.1 innings pitched.
 
The Red Foxes (7-12, 2-1 MAAC) come to Niagara Falls having dropped their last two games and have a 4-6 record in the last 10 games.
 
Marist is led by junior Mike Orefice.  The infielder has started all 18 games this season and has turned in a .329 batting average and a team-high six doubles.  Chad Gallagher gets the start in game one and has a 3-2 record in his five starts with a 4.91 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 33 innings pitched.